What ISIS Really Wants

This article does a good job at explaining where ISIS came from, and what its intentions actually are. The reality is that the Islamic State is Islamic. Very Islamic. The religion preached by its most ardent followers derives from coherent and even learned interpretations of Islam. Virtually every major decision and law promulgated by the Islamic State adheres to what it calls, in its press and pronouncements, and on its billboards, license plates, stationery, and coins, “the Prophetic methodology,” which means following the prophecy and example of Muhammad, in complete detail. Control of territory is an essential precondition for the Islamic State’s authority in the eyes of its supporters as well. Where it holds power, the state collects taxes, regulates prices, operates courts, and administers services ranging from health care and education to telecommunications. The U.S pretending that it isn’t actually a religious group, with theology that must be understood to be combatted, has already led the United States to underestimate it. Everything they believe and follow are models for all behavior, including warfare, couture and family life. They want to control and have power and form an Islamic state and I believe they will do whatever they can to ensure this.